Opis:

Situation


The Quinta is situated in the Natural Park on the South facing slopes of the Serra de Sao Mamede. It is 15 minutes from the City of Portalegre, Capital of the Alto Alentejo, in an area of great natural beauty. Access is from the Estrada de Serra between Portalegre and Reguengo, by 1Km of Private Road which ends at the Quinta.

House


The building consists of a single level ground floor and a two-car basement garage with direct access into the house. The entrance Hall opens directly into to the Atrium, in the centre of the House. Double sliding glass doors face Southwards from the Atrium onto a paved court yard contained within Two wings of the House.

From the Hallway, double wooden doors give entrance to a large L shaped Sitting Room on the left and on the right, a Dining Room. Both have log burning fires and French windows opening onto a veranda. Parquet floors and fitted bookshelves help the extended space, with double doors opened, to form a perfect area for entertaining. A unique hand carved fireplace fashioned from ochre coloured granite is a feature of the sitting room.

The Kitchen opens directly into the Dining room and incorporates a Breakfast area with all windows taking full advantage of the morning sun. Fitted units accommodate a fridge-freezer, a smaller fridge, a dishwasher and an eye level modern oven. All units are covered by granite tops and the floor is tiled in cork.

A back door opens directly into a utility room fitted for a sink, deep freeze, washing machine and tumble drier. The Oil fired central heating boiler is also situated here.

The entrance to each of the Four spacious double bedrooms is located along a corridor round the Atrium. All have bathrooms en-suite with both bath and separate shower. In addition, Parquet flooring together with fitted cupboards provide a high standard of accommodation. Of these, the master bedroom boasts a fireplace containing a log burner.

The basement under the Western wing of the House, 132 Sq. Meters of secure space is an exceptional facility. It looks out onto an open, walled court yard of similar size, which has a ramp leading up to the driveway to allow entry for cars to be garaged under cover.

Services

The House is serviced by reliable 3 phase electricity and 230 volt circuits. A good internet connection is supplied through a land line and a satellite dish exists for International T.V. channels. Oil fired central heating throughout and double glazing with roof insulation and insulated external walls help to regulate temperatures in both Summer and Winter. Good quality water is supplied by gravity from springs on the Serra, to a cistern at the back of the House. Solar panels on the roof are integrated with the hot water system.

Garden and Grounds

Since the House is situated well within the 10 acre property it secures privacy without compromise and being on a high point, commands all the perimeters. This advantage extends to the gravity water supply which works in conjunction with a borehole and provides free irrigation through a network of pipes.

The land is undulating and suitable for grapes on the South facing slopes. Portalegre is noted in Portugal for the quality of the wines and a permit to plant 1.9 Ha of vineyard attaches to the property. The land is suitable for Horticulture and grows many types of fruit and nuts. A small Horta produces excellent Asparagus and is stocked with Raspberries, Loganberries, Blueberries, Strawberries and both Red and Black currants.

Eighty cork trees help to form a delightful parkland in front of the House. The landscaped garden is based on lawns and shrubs with an effective pop up irrigation system.

The main feature being a traditional circular Eira or threshing floor which has been adapted into a spectacular pergola, shaded by Kiwi fruit and a selection of scented and decorative creepers. This is directly behind the back door allowing easy access to the Kitchen to facilitate al fresco entertainment. A flower bed 1 meter wide round the Eira accommodates the covering plants and others that protect the ambience of seclusion and relaxation. Overall it is specifically designed for practicality and minimum labour input.

Surrounding Area


Portalegre is not a main Tourist destination, but for the discerning, the Alto Alentejo is unspoiled and has much to offer. Elements of Old Portugal still remain. The inhabitants are reserved with strangers and shrewd in their dealings, but courteous and helpful. Situated close to the Spanish border and the Estremadura, Historic Towns and cities such as Albuquerque, Caceres, Merida and Badajoz are within easy reach. The Ferry Terminal at Santander is 7 hours drive away. New roads in Portugal with little traffic make Estremoz, Elvas and Evora interesting destinations for day excursions. Lisbon airport is only 2.5 hours away on good roads. One of Portugals landmark fortified Castles, Marvao is half an hour distant. Situated on a rocky crest it commands a 360 degree vista towards Spain and within Portugal. At its foot the town of Portagem, adjacent to the ruins of the Roman cantonment city of Ammaia has good restaurants set in leafy surroundings along the Sever river. It is an iconic place and for the first time this year is to be the setting for 3 days of musical events driven by the Gulbenkian Orchestra from Lisbon under its conductor Christoph Poppen. This event has every possibility of becoming a regular date on the Calendar and marks the Alto Alentejo as a new venue up and coming, for those who enjoy something different.